31.9
County Score
Water Quality 52.9Soil Quality 51.5Property Tax 48.5

County Report Card

About Warren County, Mississippi

A difficult national comparison

Warren County struggles on the national stage with a composite score of 31.9, significantly below the national median of 50.0. The county faces systemic pressure across safety, health, and environmental risk categories. This score suggests a need for major infrastructure and safety improvements to reach national standards.

Falling behind the state average

Warren County's score of 31.9 trails the Mississippi state average of 48.4 by a wide margin. It sits in the lower tier of counties within the state, primarily due to safety and risk concerns. Despite its historic roots, the data points to significant livability gaps compared to its state peers.

Clean water and tax stability

Reliable resources are a highlight, as evidenced by a Water Score of 52.9. The Tax Score of 48.5 is respectable for the region, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.855%. Housing remains attainable with a median home value of $144,400.

Critical safety and risk issues

The county faces major headwinds with a Safety Score of 15.8 and a Risk Score of 13.7. These low figures indicate high exposure to both crime and environmental hazards. Additionally, health outcomes are low at 23.7, though they outperform some neighboring rural areas.

A destination for the resilient

Warren County suits those with strong ties to the local community or specific industries who are willing to navigate higher environmental and safety risks. While housing is relatively affordable, residents must be proactive about personal security and disaster preparedness. It is best for those who prioritize regional location over high livability metrics.

2040608010048.546.915.823.725.429.213.752.937.3Tax48.5Cost46.9Safety15.8Health23.7Schools25.4Income29.2Risk13.7Water52.9Weather37.331.9/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Warren County DNA

Foverall

How Warren County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Warren County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (15.8/100), though Cost of Living (46.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.5
Cost
46.9
Safety
15.8-39.2
Health
23.7-26.3
Schools
25.4-28.6
Income
29.2-21.8
Risk
13.7-33.3
Water
52.9
Weather
37.3-18.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Warren County

Whether buying or refinancing in Warren County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$144,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$889/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$144,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,648/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren County taxes remain well below national median

Warren County's effective tax rate of 0.855% is still less than the national median of 0.92%, though it's among the higher-taxing counties in Mississippi. The median annual tax of $1,234 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Higher than average for Mississippi state

Warren County's 0.855% effective rate ranks in the upper tier statewide, exceeding Mississippi's average of 0.743% by more than 15%. Among the state's 82 counties, Warren is among the top quartile for tax rates.

Highest-taxing county in the south-central region

Warren County's 0.855% rate surpasses all surveyed neighbors: Union (0.576%), Webster (0.574%), Walthall (0.784%), Wayne (0.779%), and Winston (0.648%). Residents pay a regional premium, though still well below the national average.

Median Warren County home: $1,234 annual tax

The median Warren County home valued at $144,400 produces a $1,234 annual property tax bill—the highest among the eight surveyed counties. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,401; without, it drops to $928.

Assessment appeals may reduce your burden

Warren County's higher effective rate makes accurate assessments especially important for homeowners seeking relief. Request your assessment record, verify it against comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, and file an appeal with the county assessor if overvaluation appears evident.

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren County beats national affordability

Warren County renters spend 18.8% of income on housing, below both the national standard and most peer regions. The median household income of $56,648 keeps pace with the local rent median of $889, creating stable affordability.

Among Mississippi's most affordable

Warren County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, outperforming the Mississippi average of 19.6%. Median rent of $889 tops the state average of $782, yet strong local incomes make it manageable.

Slightly pricier but income-supportive

Warren County's $889 rent slightly exceeds Union County ($910 reversed—Union is higher), but Warren residents earn about the same ($56,648 vs. $56,807). The region's higher incomes and moderate rents make Warren competitive for families.

Homeownership premium justified

Warren County homeowners pay $833 monthly versus renters at $889—a narrow $56 gap, unusual in rural Mississippi. With median home values at $144,400 and household income at $56,648, housing consumes 18.8% of budgets for renters.

Warren: balanced housing, solid incomes

Families comparing Warren County to higher-burden counties like Washington (23.5%) or Wayne (25.6%) will find measurably better affordability. This county's combination of moderate rents, decent homeownership costs, and stable incomes makes it a strong relocation candidate.

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren County beats state, trails nation

Warren County's median household income of $56,648 exceeds Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by 17%, reflecting relatively stronger local earning power. Yet it remains 24% below the national median of $74,755, highlighting the persistent income gap between Mississippi and wealthier regions.

Upper-middle rank statewide

Warren County places in the upper third of Mississippi's 82 counties, outearning approximately 55 counties across the state. This position reflects a more diversified economic base anchored by Vicksburg's regional commerce and government presence.

Regional leader with strong per capita income

Warren County's $56,648 median income ties with Union County and exceeds Winston County ($49,071), Walthall County ($45,444), and all lower-income neighbors in the region. Its per capita income of $33,217 is the highest among these eight counties, signaling broader prosperity.

Tight housing affordability metrics

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.8%, Warren County households maintain solid housing affordability relative to income. The median home value of $144,400 is reasonable for the local income level, supporting sustainable homeownership.

Leverage regional strength for growth

Warren County's higher income and per capita earnings create a foundation for wealth-building through diversified investments and homeownership appreciation. Take advantage of employer retirement benefits, then explore additional savings vehicles to accelerate long-term financial goals.

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County Nears National Crime Levels

Warren County reports a total crime rate of 2,327.4 per 100,000 residents, sitting just below the national average of 2,385.5. This activity level results in a safety score of 96.3.

Warren County Challenges State Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 96.3 is notably lower than the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Total crime here is more than double the state average of 978.4 per 100,000 residents.

High Activity Compared to Rural Neighbors

Warren County's crime rate of 2,327.4 is significantly higher than neighbor Walthall County's 842.4. Its position as a regional hub likely contributes to these elevated property crime figures.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 2,090.6 per 100,000 people exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 236.8 remains well below the national mark of 369.8.

Protecting Assets in Warren County

Because property crime exceeds national levels, installing a home security system is a wise investment for Warren County residents. Simple habits like locking vehicles and securing valuables can significantly reduce your risk.

Schools in Warren County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Infrastructure in Warren County

Warren County features a robust network of 16 public schools, including 10 elementary schools and four high schools. These facilities serve a total of 6,862 students within a single unified school district.

Performance Matches National Graduation Standards

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly aligns with the national average and sits just a fraction below the state average. This achievement is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,134, which is notably higher than the state average of $5,954.

Vicksburg Warren School District's Reach

The Vicksburg Warren School District manages all 16 campuses and nearly 6,900 students across the county. Traditional public education remains the standard here, as the county does not currently host any charter schools.

Mix of Rural and Town Settings

The county offers a blend of 10 rural schools and 6 town-based campuses, providing varied environments for students. Warren Central High School is the largest facility with 1,159 students, contributing to an average school size of 490 across the county.

Relocate Near High-Performing Warren Schools

With graduation rates meeting national benchmarks, Warren County is an attractive option for families prioritizing education. Start your home search today to secure a spot in the Vicksburg Warren School District.

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren County faces moderate hazards

Warren County's composite risk score of 86.29 earns a relatively moderate rating, placing it significantly above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. This elevated score reflects multiple serious hazards that residents should understand and prepare for.

High-risk county in Mississippi

Warren County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Mississippi, with its 86.29 score positioning it in the top tier of disaster exposure. Only a handful of Mississippi counties face comparably severe natural hazard combinations.

Riskiest in its region

Warren County's risk profile significantly exceeds nearby Union County (43.51) and most other surrounding areas, making it the riskiest county in its immediate vicinity. Only Washington County (82.98) approaches similar threat levels nearby.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Warren County residents face extreme tornado risk (91.73), among the highest in the state, combined with substantial flood exposure (72.84) from the Mississippi River. Earthquake (74.30) and hurricane (74.13) risks round out a serious threat profile.

Essential: flood and wind coverage

Warren County homeowners must secure comprehensive flood insurance given the 72.84 flood risk score—standard policies don't cover flood damage. Additionally, ensure your homeowners policy includes strong wind and hail coverage to protect against the county's 91.73 tornado threat.

Water Quality in Warren County

via WaterByCounty

Warren County Holds a C Grade

The EPA SDWIS database tracks 7 health violations in Warren County over the last five years. Despite these incidents, the county's violation rate of 12.5 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the Mississippi average of 92.1.

Watershed Impairment Data Not Yet Available

Federal assessments under the Clean Water Act have not yet been completed for water bodies within Warren County. No impairment causes or cycle data are currently reported in the EPA ATTAINS system.

Robust Monitoring Along the River

Warren County boasts a high monitoring density with 15 sites and 30,800 recorded measurements over five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organic compounds and pesticides, reflecting its position along major waterways.

Mississippi River Maintains Typical Flow

The Mississippi River at Vicksburg shows a discharge of 735,000 cfs, staying steady at 99% of its long-term mean. This stable flow supports consistent source water availability for the surrounding drainage area.

Vigilance Against Pesticides and Organics

Given the high frequency of pesticide and organic compound measurements, residents may consider secondary carbon filtration. Monitoring for the 7 recent health violations will ensure families stay ahead of potential contamination issues.

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

Vicksburg’s Hot River Valley Climate

Warren County’s 66.3°F annual average temperature is over 12 degrees warmer than the national median. This region is characterized by high humidity and substantial rainfall, totaling 61.7 inches annually.

One of Mississippi’s Warmest Counties

Averaging 66.3°F, Warren County sits well above the state average of 63.9°F. It is one of the warmest counties in Mississippi, driven by its southern latitude and river valley geography.

Beating the Heat of Neighbors

Warren is warmer than its northern Delta neighbor, Washington County, by about two degrees. Its 61.7 inches of rain also makes it wetter than the state average of 59.6 inches.

Sweltering Summers on the River

The county faces 74 extreme heat days a year, with July temperatures averaging a punishing 82.7°F. Winters remain mild with a 49.6°F average, and snowfall is nearly non-existent at 0.1 inches.

Invest in Cooling and Dehumidification

With 74 days of 90-degree heat, residents should prioritize air conditioning maintenance and indoor air quality. Outdoor planning must account for 61.7 inches of rain, requiring robust drainage for home landscapes.

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Loess-Influence in Warren County

Warren County boasts an average soil pH of 5.82, which is significantly higher and healthier than the state average of 5.30. This makes the local soil less acidic and more favorable for a wider variety of plants without needing heavy lime applications.

High Silt Content Dominates

The soil is remarkably silt-heavy at 62.2%, with a relatively low 16% sand content. This silty profile, typical of the bluffs along the Mississippi River, creates a fertile and smooth-textured soil that is highly productive for agriculture.

Exceptional Water Retention Abilities

Warren County features a high available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.174. Even though organic matter is slightly low at 1.45%, the soil's ability to store water provides a massive buffer against drought.

Silts and Water Movement

While official drainage classes are unavailable, the high silt and 21.8% clay mix suggest a soil that holds water tightly. Proper grading is essential in this county to prevent the silty surface from eroding or becoming waterlogged during heavy rains.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 8b

The 8b hardiness zone and superior water capacity make this an excellent location for fruit trees and intensive vegetable gardening. Whether you are planting pecans or a backyard garden, these fertile river-influence soils give you a head start.

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Warren's Balance of Heat and Rain

Warren County holds a difficulty score of 34.1, outperforming the state average of 30.9. Despite this advantage, its Zone 8b climate requires specific management to handle humidity and heat. Success here depends on matching grass types to the local soil chemistry.

A Long and Humid Growing Season

Lawns face 74 extreme heat days and 61.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is high compared to the 30-50 inch ideal. The first frost usually doesn't arrive until late November, giving homeowners a long window for maintenance. This extended season requires a diligent mowing and fertilization schedule.

Managing Clay and Acidic Soil

The soil pH is 5.82, which is just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turf. With 21.8% clay and only 16.0% sand, this soil holds moisture well but can become compacted. Aerating once a year is recommended to keep oxygen reaching the grass roots.

Addressing Total Drought Coverage

Currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, with 4.1% in severe drought. This follows a year where the county experienced 11 weeks of drought conditions. Residents must use efficient irrigation to maintain lawn health during these dry stretches.

Late February Planting Windows

With the last frost typically hitting February 26, Warren County has an early start to the growing season. Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia are the most resilient choices for the 74 days of 90°F+ temperatures. Start your seeding early to ensure a deep root system before summer peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 31.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Warren County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Warren County ranks #80 among all counties in Mississippi on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Warren County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $1,234, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 48.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, Mississippi is $56,648 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Warren County scores 31.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Warren County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Warren County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.